Wolves record; 13-40
Jim Beilby/NBA.com recap
Timberwolves players will scatter today for rest and relaxation during the NBA All-Star break. They leave knowing they squandered a chance to take some momentum and positive feelings with them.
Trailing by 21 points in the first half, the Wolves finally showed some urgency and put themselves in position to pull out their biggest comeback victory of the season.
Trailing by 21 points in the first half, the Wolves finally showed some urgency and put themselves in position to pull out their biggest comeback victory of the season.
When the Wolves tried to prove Rambis wrong and make a play Wednesday night, the extra hustle ended up costing them a game. The Charlotte Bobcats escaped Target Center with a 93-92 victory after Al Jefferson and Corey Brewer mishandled a rebound that left center Nazr Mohammed unattended under the basket for an easy dunk with 5.3 seconds remaining.
A clean rebound most likely would have clinched the win and sent the Wolves and 13,352 fans into the all-star break in an upbeat mood. Instead, the Wolves (13-40) will have five days before their next game to agonize over another hard-to-explain loss.
“The ball was going out of bounds, and we threw it to the wrong place,” a dejected Jefferson said.
The Wolves defense increased intensity and challenged shots throughout the fourth quarter, which spearheaded the resurgence. In fact, Jackson was forced to carry the offense for Charlotte, scoring 18 of the 37 second half points.
Al Jefferson led Minnesota with 19 points on 9-for-17 shooting from the floor and Ryan Gomes added 15 in the heartbreaking loss. Kevin Love struggled, only hitting three of his 10 shots but managing to still haul down seven boards.
Off the bench, Ellington and Sessions played a bulk of the second half to combine for 26 points in the defeat. Rookie point guard Jonny Flynn was regulated to only 21 minutes after starting strong with seven first quarter points.
Al Jefferson led Minnesota with 19 points on 9-for-17 shooting from the floor and Ryan Gomes added 15 in the heartbreaking loss. Kevin Love struggled, only hitting three of his 10 shots but managing to still haul down seven boards.
Off the bench, Ellington and Sessions played a bulk of the second half to combine for 26 points in the defeat. Rookie point guard Jonny Flynn was regulated to only 21 minutes after starting strong with seven first quarter points.